From cookies to Parmesan cheese, a wealth of store-brand alternatives are available at your grocery store. How can you tell when reaching down one shelf might be worth it? Check the ingredients and know the manufacturers.

TheStreet.com's MainStreet blog points out that many national manufacturers also produce "private label" or store brand products for major grocery chains. When it comes to aluminum foil, spices, and frozen vegetables, for instance, it might surprise you to know that Reynolds, McCormick, and Birds Eye, respectively, are churning out goods for the same stores they sell their name brand lines to. The post also points out that some store brands have passed or exceeded national brand ratings in Consumer Reports tests, so keep on munching with confidence, fans of Kroger Mini-Wheats and Winn-Dixie Prestige Premium chocolate ice cream.

When should one shy away from store brands? When the product is more esoteric and noted to have a distinct flavor and recipe use. In general, that means thinking twice if you're looking for something marketed as "The Original X" or the "distinct flavor of X."

If you're particular about the tartness of A1 Steak Sauce or the exact flavor of Miracle Whip, generic options may not be right for you. Store brands that emphasize value may contain cheaper ingredients, and even when national brands manufacture a different type of product to be sold as a store brand, they make it to the store's own specifications, which could mean a change in ingredients, Consumer Reports says.

In other words, reading the ingredients list, sorted by concentrations, on both store and national brands can't hurt if you're thinking about switching. You'll be tripped up occasionally by "natural flavors," but one purchase should give you an idea of what can and can't be replicated at a local level.

What is your experience with switching to store brand food versions? Which name brand foods were you able to substitute with store brand? Which store brand foods just didn't cut it? Let us know in the comments!